AAA urges travelers to prepare ahead as Fourth of July holiday travel ramps up
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Millions of Americans are expected to travel during the Fourth of July holiday period, and travel experts say a little preparation now could help drivers and flyers avoid delays and frustration.
According to AAA Carolinas, more than 2.3 million North Carolinians are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday period, with most choosing to drive. That’s about 30,000 more travelers than during the same holiday last year.
“It’s going to be a big travel period,” said Tiffany Wright, spokeswoman for AAA Carolinas. “Especially with the holiday falling on a weekend, people have extended it even more. Travel has already started. It started last weekend for some folks.”
With higher temperatures expected across the region, vehicle maintenance is especially important before hitting the road.
“The big thing is the cooling system,” Casey Northrup, owner of KC’s Precision Auto said. “Making sure that coolant is full. If you’re noticing anything like it’s running hot at all, you need to get that checked out.”
Auto repair shops like his are already seeing an increase in customers preparing for holiday travel.
Northrup said cooling system repairs have become especially common during the recent stretch of hot weather.
“We’ve been seeing a lot of water pumps, radiators, cooling fans — that type of stuff with this hot weather,” Northrup said. “That’s the big thing.”
Experts also recommend checking tire condition and tire pressure before traveling, noting that older or worn tires are more susceptible to blowouts during periods of extreme heat.
Air travelers are also expected to encounter heavy crowds. Thousands of passengers are expected to pass through Wilmington International Airport during the holiday travel period, where officials recommend arriving early because of increased passenger volume, ongoing construction, and limited parking availability.
Some travelers are already building extra time into their plans.
Ivy and Gaute Garsjoe, who are visiting from Norway with their sons to spend time with family, said they have been surprised by the number of people traveling for the holiday.
“We watch on TV all the time and it looks absolutely crazy, but it’s really exciting that people are traveling from different parts of America to meet their families and to celebrate together,” Gaute Garsjoe said. “I think that’s really heartwarming to see, even though there’s gigantic traffic on the streets and everything on the roads.”
The family also said they are looking forward to experiencing America’s Independence Day celebrations during the nation’s 250th anniversary year.
For those traveling by car, AAA is also reminding motorists to make safety a priority by never driving while impaired.
According to AAA, nearly one in three summertime traffic fatalities involves an impaired driver.
